Argyrostrotis quadrifilaris

Hübner, 1831

Four-lined Chocolate Moth

Argyrostrotis quadrifilaris, known as the Four-lined Chocolate , is a small moth in the Erebidae. It was first described by Jacob Hübner in 1831. The species is distributed across the eastern and southeastern United States. have a wingspan of approximately 27 mm.

Argyrostrotis quadrifilaris by (c) Laura Gaudette, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Laura Gaudette. Used under a CC-BY license.Argyrostrotis quadrifilaris by (c) Laura Gaudette, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Laura Gaudette. Used under a CC-BY license.CATALOGUE-BM-PLATE CCXXVI by Sir GEORGE F. HAMPSON, Bart.. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Argyrostrotis quadrifilaris: //ɑːrˌdʒɪroʊˈstrɒtɪs ˌkwɒdrɪfaɪˈlɛərɪs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

The four distinct pale longitudinal lines on the chocolate-brown forewings are diagnostic. The small size (27 mm wingspan) and eastern US distribution help distinguish it from related in the Argyrostrotis. Similar species in the region lack the consistent four-line pattern.

Images

Appearance

have a wingspan of approximately 27 mm. The 'Four-lined Chocolate ' refers to four pale longitudinal lines on the forewings, set against a chocolate-brown ground color. The overall coloration is dark brown with contrasting lighter markings.

Distribution

Found in the eastern and southeastern United States, from New York and New Hampshire south to Florida and Texas.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Argyrostrotis speciesRelated in the same may share similar brown coloration but differ in the number and arrangement of forewing lines

More Details

Taxonomic Note

This was originally described in the Agnonomia as Agnonomia quadrifilaris. It has been reclassified to Erebidae from Noctuidae based on modern phylogenetic studies.

Sources and further reading